“A Hard Day’s Night” world premiere

I remember Piccadilly being completely filled. We thought we would just show up in our limo, but it couldn’t get through for all the people. It wasn’t frightening – we never seemed to get worried by crowds. It always appeared to be a friendly crowd; there never seemed to be a violent face.

Paul McCartney – From “The Beatles Anthology” book, 2000

On March 31, 1964, through a discussion with “A Hard Day’s Night” producer Denis O’Dell, Paul McCartney acquired a race horse for his father’s birthday. On this day, he let him know about his birthday gift.

Jim’s sixty-second birthday fell on the day after the British premiere of A Hard Day’s Night, which took place amid incredible scenes of Beatlemania at the London Pavilion. Afterwards we made our way to the Dorchester Hotel for the party. I was discussing the film with Princess Margaret and her husband Lord Snowden when PauI signalled me over from the other side of the room. I politely excused myself and, leaving them talking to Walter, made my way over to Paul who was with his father. Taking me to one side, the Beatie whispered, ‘I’ve got the picture with me. Let’s give it to him now.’

Wishing him a happy birthday, Paul gave the framed and wrapped portrait to Jim, who opened it, examined it and then looked at Paul.

‘It’s very nice. Thanks.’

‘Happy birthday, Dad. Do you like it?’

‘Very nice.’

There was a rather empty silence.

I whispered to Paul, ‘Did you tell your dad we actually got him the horse?’

‘Oh no! Dad, we got you the horse!’

‘What do you mean?’

‘We got you the horse.’

Jim was incredulous and delighted.

Denis O’Dell – From “At the Apple’s Core: The Beatles from the Inside“, 2002

Going further

The Beatles Diary Volume 1: The Beatles Years

With greatly expanded text, this is the most revealing and frank personal 30-year chronicle of the group ever written. Insider Barry Miles covers the Beatles story from childhood to the break-up of the group.

Buy on Amazon